St Peter's Church - A Short History

This small, picturesque thirteenth century parish church stands alone close to the River Blackwater. In the taxation of Pope Nicholas in 1288 it was decreed that Plaitford Chapel be subordinate to West Grimstead, where it remained for almost 600 years until it became a rectory in its own right in 1866. 

Built of ironstone and flint, most of the original structure has survived over 700 years. Internally some thirteenth century features still exist, they include the chamfered pointed doorway, the chancel and nave, the pisina (shallow basin for washing communion vessels) and sedile (Priests seat) on the south side of the sanctuary. The south vestry appears to have been a small chapel and contains the only original window, which faces south. 

The church was subject to a major restoration in 1856 when unfortunately most of the medieval wall art was plastered over. Some remnants have recently been re-discovered and work is in hand to protect and preserve them